East China Normal University for Nigerian Students
Entry Requirements by Level
Academic Requirements
Foundation Year required via Chinese Language Foundation Year (1 year, university-run) (¥12,000/year). WAEC/NECO accepted as O-level equivalent. ECNU is one of the more affordable 985 universities in Shanghai. Education and environmental science programs are particularly strong. Access to Shanghai's job market and internship ecosystem is a key benefit.
Fees & Deadline
Annual tuition: ¥16,000–¥20,000. Application deadline: March–May (annual intake).
Academic Requirements
Minimum GPA: 2.75/4. Bachelor's degree in a relevant field required. Education and Environmental Science Masters programs are strong entry points for Nigerian applicants. Computer Science program is growing rapidly. Shanghai Municipal Government Scholarship available for outstanding students.
English Language
IELTS: 6+ overall. TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic also accepted — contact admissions for equivalencies.
Fees & Deadline
Annual tuition: ¥25,000–¥35,000. Application deadline: November–January for September intake. Decision time: 4–8 weeks.
Documents Required
Available Scholarships
Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
by Chinese Government (MOE) · Undergraduate, Masters, Phd
Learn more →Belt and Road / Silk Road Scholarship
by Chinese Government · Masters, Phd
Learn more →ECNU International Student Scholarship
by East China Normal University · Masters, Phd
Learn more →Frequently Asked Questions
Does ECNU accept WAEC results for Nigerian students?
Yes, WAEC/NECO is accepted as senior secondary school proof for undergraduate foundation programs. For Masters, a Nigerian bachelor's degree qualifies for direct admission. ECNU is a 985 university in Shanghai with growing international student numbers.
What GPA is needed for Masters at East China Normal University?
ECNU requires a minimum GPA of 2.75/4.0, making it one of the more accessible 985 universities. This roughly corresponds to a Second Class Lower in Nigerian grading. Education and environmental science applicants with relevant teaching or field experience are competitive with moderate GPAs.
Are there scholarships for Nigerian students at ECNU?
Yes. The CSC scholarship covers full tuition and ¥3,000/month. The ECNU International Student Scholarship and Shanghai Municipal Government Scholarship are additional options. ECNU's lower tuition compared to other Shanghai 985 universities means scholarships cover a higher proportion of total costs.
Tips for Applying to ECNU
East China Normal University is an excellent entry point to Shanghai's world-class academic environment for Nigerian students in education, environmental science, or social development. As a 985 university with lower tuition and more accessible GPA requirements than Fudan or SJTU, ECNU offers a strategic pathway to a Shanghai education with strong scholarship support available through the CSC and Shanghai Municipal programs.
Official source: East China Normal University ↗Cost of Living in Shanghai
On-campus rooms available from ¥2,000/month. ECNU has two campuses in Minhang and Putuo districts.
University canteen meals from ¥10–30. Shanghai has affordable options near campus.
Shanghai metro connects both ECNU campuses efficiently.